Tales of fishing outings, all true!
The Delta, December 15th
Harry Petrakis and I set out before dawn and arrived at Russo's Marina shortly after 7 AM. A dense tule fog cast a blanket over everything; it was also very cold. We nosed our way through Frank's Tract to Potato Slough, then down to Mildred's. By mid day the fog had lifted but the fish were few and far between. The largest we landed was two pounds. We finished the day in Sand Mound and in Franks Tract. Same story in those places: few and far between. It was a long day with few fish, but as most of us would agree: a day on the water beats one just about anywhere else. - Dougald Scott
Big Sur River, December 11th
Arrived at the Big Sur river and hour early and hiked in the darkness and first light. Was on the water as the sun came over the mountains but quickly realized that all the smolts were gone as the river's surface was dimple free. The storm that hit us up on the Trinity earlier in the week was the culprit behind the lack of fish. Things being as they were I just sat back and enjoyed the surroundings. ItŐs not often I have the entire river area to myself. Hope to have the same weather conditions for next year. - Tim Loomis
Trinity River, December 5th -7th
Jim Livingston, Duwayne Norton, Tim Loomis and Harry Petrakis spent 3 days on the Trinity River, wade fishing and drifting with guides Andrew Harris and Geno Bernero. Our timing was impeccable as we were starting our fishing at the end of a mid winter drought. The skies never cleared for three days and rain and sleet and snow were the main offerings for the days.
We were fortunate have two top guides who put us on the fish, pointing out the likely lies, and offering encouragement when it became necessary. "I want you to throw a cast right over there for me. OOhh thatŐs goldenÉ now throw a slight downstream mend... perfect... OK be ready now because you're in the goods... set, set, set!"
We covered huge amounts of water. When Jim or I suggested we fish a section we were given a short course on the difference between primary and secondary water and reminded that we had no time for anything but primary water. We all caught fish each of the 2 days we drifted. The fish were gorgeous and larger than last year; five to ten pounds. Most took small nymphs; we managed one on the swing but the rest came on the bobbicator.
The sprinkles and dark skies brought out the mayflies. Smolt steelhead and a few larger fish were sucking them in on the surface. We waited for the adults to start in on some of the bigger flies but they didn't play. Andrew said he has seen the adults eat on top before.
Evenings were spent at the Le Grange restaurant. This is the second year that we have eaten at the Le Grange all three nights of our stay!! It's not that there are not at least few other options, it is that the food is so good none of us could bring ourselves to risk a bad meal when we knew where to get a great one. We were so taken by the waitress that, when we later found out that she was a single mom raising 3 children, at Tim's suggestion we took up a donation for her.
The more off color the water became, the better the fishing. When we ended our last day as darkness set in, we left fish pining for more of the little size 14 Copper Johns. We had taken 6 of their brethren out of the two adjoining pools to where finished. Catching those magnificent fish with lines singing, water boiling with yelps of contentment, both boats fishing together and in plain view of each other.
With the sad news of the death of Herb Parnell comes the reminder for us all to "live and love it up". - Harry, Tim, Jim and Duwayne
Fishy Tales from the Creel
Trinity River Dec 5-7:
With the valued guidance of Geno Bernero and Andrew Harris, Jim Livingston, Dwayne Norton, Harry Petrakis and myself launched above and below Weaverville for 2 spectacular days of steelhead fishing. See Harry's article for the details. Highlights were Jim Livingston's 10 pounder and Dwayne's tableside chat with our waitress. - Tim Loomis
Moss Landing
I wanted to go fishing so bad so I tied my kayak on top of the wagon and headed out to Moss Landing. With the 8 wt. rod I tied on a fly and started to work the rock facing the power plant. After half an hour or so these sea lions started surfing near me. I kept on fishing... Yeekk - KaiKong Yee